April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
We believe every child deserves a safe, happy, and healthy childhood. Each April, we join hands with child-serving agencies and our incredible community to promote the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign. This month is dedicated to raising awareness, strengthening families, and inspiring action to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Throughout April, you'll see blue pinwheels spinning across our community—symbols of hope and a bright future for children. We also host family-friendly events, share valuable resources, and provide ways for YOU to get involved in making a lasting impact.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
We believe every child deserves a safe, happy, and healthy childhood. Each April, we join hands with child-serving agencies and our incredible community to promote the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign. This month is dedicated to raising awareness, strengthening families, and inspiring action to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Throughout April, you'll see blue pinwheels spinning across our community—symbols of hope and a bright future for children. We also host family-friendly events, share valuable resources, and provide ways for YOU to get involved in making a lasting impact.
Why Pinwheels?
Blue pinwheels are used as a symbol for
Child Abuse Prevention Month because they represent the bright, hopeful future every child deserves. The pinwheel embodies the idea of a carefree childhood, free from harm, and highlights the importance of creating safe, nurturing environments for children. The use of the blue color specifically signifies awareness of child abuse prevention, while the spinning motion of the pinwheel symbolizes the need for active, community-wide efforts to protect children and promote their well-being.
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Wear Blue on Friday, April 4th and share on social media about how you support happy and healthy childhoods and tag us #HFCWearsBlue
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Check out our Child Abuse Prevention Month Toolkit
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Create awareness with your friends with Social Media Posts
Ways to Get Involved
Loop the Lake
Since 2008, Heartland for Children has proudly partnered with Florida Southern College’s Kappa Delta Sorority to host the annual Loop the Lake 5K—an inspiring event born out of Kappa Delta’s Philanthropy Week. Together, we created this tradition to raise awareness and vital funds to support child abuse prevention efforts across Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties.
This year’s Loop the Lake 5K will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, and embraces a fun western‑themed spirit—“Saddle Up for the KD Roundup.” Families, students, and community members are invited to run, walk, or cheer in support of child abuse prevention. Registration opens at 8:45 AM, with the race beginning at 9:00 AM, and pricing available for children, students, and early registrants.
